Des Plaines, IL
A Tub-to-Shower Conversion is one of the most targeted ways to modernize a bathroom—without taking on a full gut renovation. Des Plaines Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro follows Illinois Plumbing Code requirements and manufacturer installation specs to convert an existing tub footprint into a code-compliant shower system built for daily use.
Des Plaines Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro is a licensed bathroom remodel contractor offering tub-to-shower conversion to homeowners in Des Plaines, IL. Our in-house team handles every trade — plumbing, electrical, tile, and finish — so your project stays on schedule and on budget. Free in-home design consultation.
A Tub-to-Shower Conversion replaces your existing bathtub with a shower built into the same general footprint—typically including a new shower base, waterproofed walls, and updated plumbing connections. We commonly use a Schluter-KERDI waterproofing membrane (or equivalent system) paired with a laser level to set slope and plumb lines, and an oscillating multi-tool for controlled demolition around tile and drywall edges. The goal is a clean transition from tub flange to shower pan, with durable water management behind the finished surface.
This conversion solves problems that tubs often create in older homes: high step-over entry, deteriorated tub surrounds, and chronic moisture at the tub-to-wall seam. If you’re seeing recurring caulk failure, soft drywall, or mold-like staining, it usually points to compromised waterproofing—not just “bad grout.” We also frequently correct drainage issues caused by improper slope or aging trap assemblies by updating the P-trap and verifying flow/venting using IPC/Illinois Plumbing Code guidance. Since bathrooms account for about 50% of a home’s indoor water use (EPA), tightening up water control and drainage details matters for long-term performance.
Our approach is structured to reduce surprises. First, we protect floors and isolate the work area with zip-wall containment, then remove the tub and surrounding finishes while preserving any reusable framing. Next we inspect studs and subfloor, then set the new shower base (often requiring mortar bedding for rigidity) and rough-in the valve and riser to the correct height. We pressure-test plumbing connections, then build the wet area with cement backer board (James Hardie HardieBacker or USG Durock) and a continuous waterproofing system, finishing with a flood test when conditions allow. Finally, we install the shower trim (e.g., Delta or Moen), seal penetrations with 100% silicone, and verify drainage and spray pattern.
Materials and standards are what separate a quick swap from a lasting conversion. We use ANSI A108 installation methods for tile when tile is part of the scope, and we set tile with polymer-modified thinset mortar such as MAPEI or LATICRETE products matched to the substrate and membrane requirements. For grout, we often specify an ANSI A118.3 epoxy grout in high-splash zones for stain resistance, along with ASTM C920-rated sealant at changes of plane. Electrical items that end up in the splash area (like exhaust fan wiring or nearby receptacles) are handled to NEC/GFCI expectations, and all fixtures are installed to manufacturer torque and sealing specifications.
To keep the work focused on a true Tub-to-Shower Conversion (not a full bathroom remodel), we concentrate on the wet area: tub removal, shower base, waterproofed walls, valve/trim updates, and targeted repairs behind the surround. When requested, we can add practical conversion upgrades like a recessed niche, a pressure-balanced mixing valve, or a linear drain layout—without moving every plumbing line in the room. The result is a shower that’s easier to enter, simpler to clean, and built with modern water management from the studs out using systems like Wedi building panels or Schluter components where appropriate.
Des Plaines homes—especially in areas near Downtown Des Plaines and along Touhy Ave corridors—often include mid-century tubs with aging surrounds where water has worked behind the wall over decades. Seasonal humidity and freeze-thaw cycles in the Chicago metro can also amplify grout and caulk movement, making proper waterproofing and ASTM C920 sealant detailing important for long-term durability. We plan Tub-to-Shower Conversion projects around local permitting expectations through the City of Des Plaines, and we account for common housing layouts found near Rand Road and the Des Plaines River area where bathrooms are compact and drain placement needs careful evaluation before setting the new shower base.
When you hire Des Plaines Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro for tub-to-shower conversion in Des Plaines, you get a dedicated project manager, licensed in-house trades, a fixed-price quote upfront, and a lifetime workmanship warranty. We've completed hundreds of bathroom remodels across Des Plaines and know exactly how to navigate local building codes, permits, and HOA requirements.
Tub-to-Shower Conversion cost in Des Plaines commonly falls between $6,500 and $15,000+, depending on scope and site conditions. The biggest price drivers are: (1) waterproofing system and wall finish choice (acrylic surround vs. tile with ANSI-compliant setting materials), (2) plumbing updates such as replacing a valve, riser, or P-trap, (3) subfloor or stud repairs after tub removal, (4) niche/bench/linear drain add-ons, and (5) permit requirements if plumbing is reconfigured. Keeping the conversion within the existing footprint and drain location usually reduces labor compared with moving plumbing lines.
A standard Tub-to-Shower Conversion typically takes 3–7 working days. Simpler conversions using a prefab shower base and wall panels can be closer to 3–4 days, while tile walls with full waterproofing, cure times, and a flood test can extend the schedule to 5–7 days. Hidden damage (soft subfloor, wet insulation, or out-of-plumb framing) and special-order materials can add time.
In many cases, a permit is required when plumbing work changes or extends beyond a like-for-like fixture swap—such as relocating the drain, changing venting, or replacing supply lines or the mixing valve. Des Plaines projects may fall under local enforcement of Illinois Plumbing Code requirements, so the safest approach is to confirm with the City of Des Plaines Building Division based on the exact scope. If the conversion involves electrical changes (new fan, new circuit, or moving receptacles), separate electrical permitting may also apply under NEC expectations.
You may be a good candidate for a Tub-to-Shower Conversion if you notice: (1) difficulty stepping over the tub apron or frequent slip concerns, (2) recurring caulk failure where the tub meets the wall, (3) loose tile, soft drywall, or staining around the tub surround that suggests moisture intrusion, (4) slow drainage or gurgling that can indicate trap/vent issues, or (5) a dated tub surround that is hard to clean and doesn’t seal tightly around plumbing penetrations. A site inspection can confirm whether the framing and subfloor can support a shower base and whether the drain location can stay in place.
Send a message or call to book your free in-home bathroom design consultation with Des Plaines Bathroom Remodel Contractors Pro in Des Plaines. We typically schedule consultations within the same week and provide written fixed-price quotes within a few business days of the visit.
